Do Republicans REALLY care about the debt?

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

I only ask because once again, just like every other time they are in power, despite warning us (correctly) that our current level of national debt is unsustainable and will eventually lead us to a catastrophe…they are voting to increase it: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/15/gop-tax-deficit-bill/

Trump’s new “beautiful bill” will increase the debt by 2.5 trillion over the next 10 years. 
 

So do they REALLY care? 

[lickin_starfish 1,897]

Here's a secret...

The Republicans are schitbags just like the Democrats.

They pretend to fight against each other, but are in cahoots to keep their grift going.

[Strike 5,276]

Why do you lump ALL Republicans together?  How about differentiating between POLITICIANS and the rank and file?  What you're doing is akin to me saying all Democrats believe in open borders and letting illegals rape and kill Americans with impunity.  But we all know how simplisticly your mind works so carry on.

[thegeneral 2,996]

Of course not.

[supermike80 1,825]

26 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

I only ask because once again, just like every other time they are in power, despite warning us (correctly) that our current level of national debt is unsustainable and will eventually lead us to a catastrophe…they are voting to increase it: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/15/gop-tax-deficit-bill/

Trump’s new “beautiful bill” will increase the debt by 2.5 trillion over the next 10 years. 
 

So do they REALLY care? 

Literally no politician does.  this is not a republican or democrat thing.   They will say that they need to say to win elections.  That's it.

[MDC 7,171]

$2.5T over 10 years is peanuts. But no, Republicans don’t care about the debt either. 

[Hardcore troubadour 14,999]

Some do. Some act like they do. 

[TBayXXXVII 2,497]

6 minutes ago, Hardcore troubadour said:

Some do. Some act like they do. 

Yup... and the vast majority don't.  That's all 535 in Congress... not just one side of the aisle or the other.

[Tree of Knowledge 1,733]

Free chit wins elections.  95% of Americans that vote are in debt at high interest rates.  They don’t care about it and aren’t smart enough to grasp the concept.  

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

47 minutes ago, Strike said:

Why do you lump ALL Republicans together?  How about differentiating between POLITICIANS and the rank and file?  What you're doing is akin to me saying all Democrats believe in open borders and letting illegals rape and kill Americans with impunity.  But we all know how simplisticly your mind works so carry on.

[TheNewGirl 1,387]

Do Democrats really care about the debt? 

https://www.kcra.com/article/california-gavin-newsom-budget-deficit-may-revise/64771704

Quote

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

California is facing a $12 billion deficit that Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to help close by freezing enrollment in a state-funded health care program for immigrants living in California without legal status.

“No state has done more than the state of California, no state will continue to do more than the state of California by a long shot. And that’s a point of pride,” he said.

California was among one of the first states to extend free health care benefits to all poor adults regardless of their immigration status last year, an ambitious plan touted by Newsom to help the nation’s most populous state inch closer to a goal of universal health care. But the cost ran $2.7 billion more than the administration had anticipated.

 

 

Sooo....despite the $12 billion deficit,  people will continue to vote for the party that thinks that we should continue to heard down this path of "free" for everyone; even if it costs BILLIONS more than they promise us. 

Again, when he runs in 2028, the entire country will feel this. Not just CA. 

I hope those $2/gas folks in Iowa enjoy their $5/gas and outlawing of gas powered cars. 

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

1 hour ago, Strike said:

Why do you lump ALL Republicans together?  How about differentiating between POLITICIANS and the rank and file?  What you're doing is akin to me saying all Democrats believe in open borders and letting illegals rape and kill Americans with impunity.  But we all know how simplisticly your mind works so carry on.

If I had wanted to lump people together I would have used the word “conservatives” rather than Republicans. By using Republicans I am using shorthand for Republican politicians. Can’t believe I have to even explain that. 

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

37 minutes ago, TheNewGirl said:

Do Democrats really care about the debt? 

https://www.kcra.com/article/california-gavin-newsom-budget-deficit-may-revise/64771704

Sooo....despite the $12 billion deficit,  people will continue to vote for the party that thinks that we should continue to heard down this path of "free" for everyone; even if it costs BILLIONS more than they promise us. 

Again, when he runs in 2028, the entire country will feel this. Not just CA. 

I hope those $2/gas folks in Iowa enjoy their $5/gas and outlawing of gas powered cars. 

Of course Democrats don’t care about the debt. But they don’t pretend to. 

[Ron_Artest 1,123]

Republicans feigned interest in the debt when they supported doge and the tariffs.  Neither was ever about the debt and thankfully Trump caved on both.

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

And again when I say Democrats I am speaking of the politicians. 

[jonnyutah 253]

Not even a tiny bit.

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

So- if you a conservative arguing as to why the Republican Party is preferable to the Democratic Party, feel free to bring up immigration or woke issues, or handling of foreign affairs, whatever you want. I will likely disagree with you on this stuff but at least we can determine where we disagree. 
 

But don’t bring up the national debt. Because it’s crap. Let’s acknowledge right now that on this issue there is no discernible difference between the two parties. 

[TBayXXXVII 2,497]

16 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

And again when I say Democrats I am speaking of the politicians. 

Yes they do.  They pretend to care when Republican's are proposing bills that will (accusatorially), raise the debt.  As proof, your link.

[TBayXXXVII 2,497]

Just now, The Real timschochet said:

So- if you a conservative arguing as to why the Republican Party is preferable to the Democratic Party, feel free to bring up immigration or woke issues, or handling of foreign affairs, whatever you want. I will likely disagree with you on this stuff but at least we can determine where we disagree. 
 

But don’t bring up the national debt. Because it’s crap. Let’s acknowledge right now that on this issue there is no discernible difference between the two parties. 

This is why you are a dope.  While many Republican politicians don't care about the debt, there are plenty that do.  Democrats only pretend to care when it's a political talking point.  So yes, Republicans should talk about it.

Now, I couldn't read the entire communist propaganda you linked, but from what I could read, it's "experts" who say that the bill will increase the debt.  Meaning, "left-wing activists who get their talking points from the Democrat politicians".

[Strike 5,276]

14 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

So- if you a conservative arguing as to why the Republican Party is preferable to the Democratic Party, feel free to bring up immigration or woke issues, or handling of foreign affairs, whatever you want. I will likely disagree with you on this stuff but at least we can determine where we disagree. 
 

But don’t bring up the national debt. Because it’s crap. Let’s acknowledge right now that on this issue there is no discernible difference between the two parties. 

No.  I have faith the Dems would be increasing it by 10 Trillion over 10 years if they could so we're still better off.

[Hardcore troubadour 14,999]

50 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

So- if you a conservative arguing as to why the Republican Party is preferable to the Democratic Party, feel free to bring up immigration or woke issues, or handling of foreign affairs, whatever you want. I will likely disagree with you on this stuff but at least we can determine where we disagree. 
 

But don’t bring up the national debt. Because it’s crap. Let’s acknowledge right now that on this issue there is no discernible difference between the two parties. 

The republicans may not be toeing the line on this, but you saying it’s “crap” speaks to an incredible level of ignorance.  

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

38 minutes ago, Hardcore troubadour said:

The republicans may not be toeing the line on this, but you saying it’s “crap” speaks to an incredible level of ignorance.  

It certainly does. Yours. And a few other people here who want to continue the ridiculous pretense that Republicans are more fiscal minded in any conceivable way than Democrats are, 

[supermike80 1,825]

6 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

It certainly does. Yours. And a few other people here who want to continue the ridiculous pretense that Republicans are more fiscal minded in any conceivable way than Democrats are, 

Woah. Now youre changing your argument.  The democrats are spenders.   Way more than republicans.  

[Hardcore troubadour 14,999]

9 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

It certainly does. Yours. And a few other people here who want to continue the ridiculous pretense that Republicans are more fiscal minded in any conceivable way than Democrats are, 

So you don’t think the debt is an issue?? 

[Horseman 2,399]

1 hour ago, The Real timschochet said:

It certainly does. Yours. And a few other people here who want to continue the ridiculous pretense that Republicans are more fiscal minded in any conceivable way than Democrats are, 

chit for brains

[SaintsInDome2006 421]

4 hours ago, The Real timschochet said:

I only ask because once again, just like every other time they are in power, despite warning us (correctly) that our current level of national debt is unsustainable and will eventually lead us to a catastrophe…they are voting to increase it: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/15/gop-tax-deficit-bill/

Trump’s new “beautiful bill” will increase the debt by 2.5 trillion over the next 10 years. 
 

So do they REALLY care? 

I'll just add that the current budget bill raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion.

[jbycho 628]

Do liberals ever stop whining? 

The jealousy is strong with them.

[Horseman 2,399]

3 hours ago, The Real timschochet said:

It certainly does. Yours. And a few other people here who want to continue the ridiculous pretense that Republicans are more fiscal minded in any conceivable way than Democrats are, 

From your own freaking link

That fiscal hit has triggered criticism from House conservatives, who have at times vowed to vote against legislation that adds to the national debt

[jbycho 628]

Just now, Horseman said:

From your own freaking link

That fiscal hit has triggered criticism from House conservatives, who have at times vowed to vote against legislation that adds to the national debt

He's such an idiot. 

[kilroy69 1,218]

I do not think either side cares about it. 

[Mark Davis 346]

A few legitimately care enough to make the sacrifice, or are lucky enough to have constituents who would stand behind them for taking a stance on the debt.  Most of the rest care about it to varying degrees but not enough to risk losing their mostly safe seats.  The problem is we have to address entitlements to fix the deficit and begin work on the debt.  It's like telling a drug addict we are going to start by cutting you off.  He wants to get clean until the day comes you make him go through withdrawal, all his resolve crumbles.  If you start trying to fix entitlements, most voters want other people's entitlements corrected, not theirs.  The specifics are the difficult part.

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

6 hours ago, Horseman said:

From your own freaking link

That fiscal hit has triggered criticism from House conservatives, who have at times vowed to vote against legislation that adds to the national debt

Yes house conservatives are once again threatening to defy Trump over this. If they end up actually doing it I will be impressed and I will come in here and give them credit. But let’s see them do it; right now it’s just talk. The only time conservatives ever vote against spending is (a) if the bill is proposed by Democrats or (b) if it’s defiance for show because they know it’s going to pass or fail anyhow despite their vote; therefore their vote is “safe”. Let’s see if this time is different. 

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

13 minutes ago, Mark Davis said:

A few legitimately care enough to make the sacrifice, or are lucky enough to have constituents who would stand behind them for taking a stance on the debt.  Most of the rest care about it to varying degrees but not enough to risk losing their mostly safe seats.  The problem is we have to address entitlements to fix the deficit and begin work on the debt.  It's like telling a drug addict we are going to start by cutting you off.  He wants to get clean until the day comes you make him go through withdrawal, all his resolve crumbles.  If you start trying to fix entitlements, most voters want other people's entitlements corrected, not theirs.  The specifics are the difficult part.

Agree with this analysis 100% but I would add that IF entitlements are actually ever cut, the voters will simply throw whoever did it out of office and the new politicians will reinstate status quo. Every politician knows this so why should they bother? The real fault is ours. We won’t accept real pain. 
This is why, for the exact same reason, AOC’s Green New Deal is doomed. Even if she and people like her ever got into power, the minute they tried imposing real restrictions on our use of fossil fuels the public would simply throw them out again. I tell my liberal friends this all the time: you want to replace fossil fuels, you need to hand the American people a cheaper and easier alternative on a silver platter. You’ll never get there by trying to punish us; we won’t put up with it. 

[jbycho 628]

5 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

Agree with this analysis 100% but I would add that IF entitlements are actually ever cut, the voters will simply throw whoever did it out of office and the new politicians will reinstate status quo. Every politician knows this so why should they bother? The real fault is ours. We won’t accept real pain. 
This is why, for the exact same reason, AOC’s Green New Deal is doomed. Even if she and people like her ever got into power, the minute they tried imposing real restrictions on our use of fossil fuels the public would simply throw them out again. I tell my liberal friends this all the time: you want to replace fossil fuels, you need to hand the American people a cheaper and easier alternative on a silver platter. You’ll never get there by trying to punish us; we won’t put up with it. 

Tim guy is hurting bad....

[Hardcore troubadour 14,999]

There are too many able bodied people on Medicaid. It wasn’t meant for them and it’s unsustainable. 

[Sean Mooney 1,950]

22 hours ago, Strike said:

Why do you lump ALL Republicans together?  How about differentiating between POLITICIANS and the rank and file?  What you're doing is akin to me saying all Democrats believe in open borders and letting illegals rape and kill Americans with impunity.  But we all know how simplisticly your mind works so carry on.

I look forward to you calling out the MAGA mooks here on the board when they do exactly this the next time. 

[Cdub100 3,851]

No they talk a good game until they win and are instructed on how our monetary policy actually works. The debt will always increase. 

[Horseman 2,399]

9 hours ago, The Real timschochet said:

Yes house conservatives are once again threatening to defy Trump over this. If they end up actually doing it I will be impressed and I will come in here and give them credit. But let’s see them do it; right now it’s just talk. The only time conservatives ever vote against spending is (a) if the bill is proposed by Democrats or (b) if it’s defiance for show because they know it’s going to pass or fail anyhow despite their vote; therefore their vote is “safe”. Let’s see if this time is different. 

So they do believe in reducing spending, unlike and better than the Dems.  Got it. 

[The Real timschochet 6,533]

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna207239
 

Maybe SOME Republicans do care? 
 

But I still say this is all for show. Unless they pass a bill that actually cuts the debt this is all talk. 

[Hardcore troubadour 14,999]

I lump lots of groups together. It’s pretty freakin accurate if I say so myself.